Guide to Launching NoveList in Your Library

Suggestions for getting NoveList off to a good start!

1. Fine Tune Your Settings

Connect to your new database. To start using NoveList, simply go to http://search.ebscohost.com. Access is based on your IP address or User ID/Password, depending on your settings (these will be emailed to you after purchase).

Add links to your ILS/catalog. We encourage you to set up catalog links within the NoveList databases and also link to your local holdings collection. Patrons will then be able to see which titles in NoveList you own and use the catalog link to place holds on titles. Contact novelist@ebsco.com to set up this feature.

2. Make it Findable for Patrons

Link to it on your website. Make it big! Make it bold! Make sure patrons can easily find it. Use a NoveList button (download one from the NoveList Promotion Kit) along with an enticing description (see sample in the next bullet) of what the reader can do with it. For example:

Write a description to pull your patrons in. Make sure your website visitors know what exactly NoveList is and what it can do for them. Need help? Try using our sample description:

Looking for your next book? Want to find more authors like your favorites? NoveList Plus has all your reading answers. Find books that match your interests, read-alikes for your favorite titles and authors, or ready-made book lists on your favorite genres. With NoveList Plus you'll fill up your to-read list in no time!

Make finding NoveList easy. Try all of our best practices for helping readers find NoveList on your website.

3. Spread the word

Tell your staff. Make sure your staff are the first to know! Give them a reason why they’ll want to use it (it’s a great tool for answering the tough questions or for keeping up with what's new in genres). Do a quick overview at your next staff meeting (this short video is a great overview). Point them to tutorials on YouTube.

Announce it in your emails and newsletters. Here is a sample paragraph that you can use to announce NoveList Plus:

Want to know the secret to finding your next book?
Looking for your next book? Want to find a new author? Can’t remember all the titles in a series? We have a great solution called NoveList Plus. It helps readers of all ages find books that match their reading level and interests. Use it to find read-alikes for your favorite titles and authors. Fill up your to-read list! Look for the search box on the library's homepage. Next time you’re in the library, ask a staff member to show you!

Announce it to local media. Send a press release with a brief introduction explaining why the addition of NoveList is beneficial to local residents (hint: reading inspires, educates, and is generally good for the community). Use our sample press release.

4. Promote it regularly

Use social media to connect readers to NoveList. Does your library have a Facebook page or Twitter account? These are great outlets for spreading the word about new resources. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Share a weekly reading recommendation on social channels, using NoveList to generate ideas. Some sample posts:

Is your holds list for [popular book] miles long? Try these other great suggestions: [link]

Promote NoveList to your book clubs. NoveList is a great resource for book clubs because it includes book discussion guides. Consider offering a special session for your book club members to show them how NoveList can help them find their next club read.

Use the NoveList promotional materials from LibraryAware. If your library subscribes to LibraryAware, you can search under the Promotions section for "NoveList Promotion" to find templates for bookmarks, book flyers, half flyers, and e-blasts. The NoveList promotion templates are nearly ready-to-go, just add the final details (like book jackets) and print! See some examples of available templates on our Pinterest board.

Brainstorm. Who else in your community would benefit from knowing about NoveList? Local schools? Businesses? Festivals?

5. Learn to use it like a pro

Get regular tips and tricks. Subscribe to NoveList News to get the latest

Build your skills. The Learn section of the Idea Center is chock-full of resources for learning how to use NoveList.

Inside NoveList. When you're inside the NoveList itself, be sure to look for the "How Do I...?" section (found in the top menu) for answers to the most frequently asked questions. When working with readers, try the RA Toolbox (found in the Especially for menu).

Download our guide to appeals. NoveList uses appeal to identify the style or mood of a book or author, to better match readers with their perfect book. Use our guide to appeals to help you talk to your readers about appeal.

Get a NoveList refresher. Make the most out of your NoveList subscription with some tips to help you reap all of NoveList's benefits.